SANGSAD BHABAN, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - Lawmakers today said that the government's initiative to distribute family cards nationwide would contribute significantly to the country's economic prosperity, particularly by empowering women. Another BNP lawmaker, M Selim Reza of Sirajganj-1, expressed gratitude to voters for electing him. He also praised the Prime Minister for introducing family cards, farmer cards, and farm credit exemptions in line with the government's electoral promises, and for discouraging lawmakers from accepting tax-free vehicles. Discussing the 2024 July Uprising, BNP lawmaker Rafiqul Islam Helali of Netrokona-3 said that 17 people from his district were martyred, including 14 BNP members. BNP lawmakers Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and opposition lawmaker Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad also participated in the discussion.

President Donald Trump. Photo: CollectedWASHINGTON, United States, April 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump said Monday the United States has studied a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in the Iran war, a move he called a "very significant step" in the conflict. "It's a significant proposal, it's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that intermediaries "are negotiating now." Iran has rejected a proposed truce in its war with the United States and Israel, insisting "on the need for a definitive end to the conflict," state news agency IRNA reported Monday.

DHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - Police from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)arrested a total of 52 crime suspects during special drive carried out inHazaribagh and Shahjahanpur thana areas to curb crime and maintain law and order. According to Hazaribagh Police Station sources, a day-long special driveconducted on Monday led to the arrest of 30 individuals from different areasunder the police station jurisdiction. In a separate operation, Shahjahanpur Police Station conducted regular driveson Sunday, arresting 22 people. Law enforcement officials also recovered approximately 2 grams of heroin andcannabis from those arrested in Shajahanpur area. Police officials stated that such drives will continue to ensure stabilityand maintain law and order in the areas.

Titled "Gender-responsive Coastal Adaptation (GCA)," the project aims to enhance the adaptive capacities of coastal communities, particularly women, to cope with climate change-induced salinity. During the session, organizers revealed that a specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) curriculum for empowering coastal women, a context-specific gender-responsive livelihood toolkit, and a comprehensive report forecasting climate impacts up to 2050 have been finalized. Speaking as the chief guest, Zinat Ara, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Women Affairs, emphasized the government's commitment to the cause. The materials and roadmaps approved today will play a crucial role in helping coastal women survive adverse environments and fostering their empowerment," she said. The event was graced by Zinat Ara, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Women Affairs, MoWCA, as Chief Guest.

SACEP Director General Norbu Wanchuk today met with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at his secretariat office. Photo: PIDDHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS) – South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Director General Norbu Wanchuk today paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at his secretariat office here. They put emphasis on strengthening further cooperation among SACEP member states in these areas. He stated that the government has undertaken multiple initiatives to address air, water, noise, and marine pollution as well as climate change challenges. The SACEP Director General expressed commitment to working jointly with member countries in accordance with various international conventions on environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Abdur Rahman Khan announced today that corporate tax returns will transitionto a fully online system starting next year. The audit selection process hasalready been automated, and the NBR plans to implement automated selectionmethods for individual returns once they are fully integrated into the onlinesystem," he said. However, addressing requests for tax relief, the Chairman remarked thatreducing current tax rates would be a difficult challenge. They advocated for the creation of an integrated digital tax systemconnecting income tax, VAT, and customs to enhance efficiency, eliminateredundancy, and facilitate data-driven oversight. The meeting featured a budget proposal presentation by tax expert SnehasishBarua of Snehasish Mahmud & Co.FICCI leaders concluded by assuring the NBR of their full cooperation inimplementing the corporate tax automation project.

DHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - Members of the para-military force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have seized a large consignment of smuggled Indian sarees worth over Taka 1.69 crore during a special anti-smuggling drive in Bijoynagar upazila of Brahmanbaria district. According to a BGB press release, the drive was conducted by a patrol teamfrom the Brahmanbaria Transit Camp under Sarail Battalion (25 BGB) in theMukundapur area of Bijoynagar this noon. During the operation, smugglers attempted to flee with their pickup truckafter sensing the presence of the BGB team. The seized sarees are currently in the process of being handed over to theAkhaura Customs Office for further legal action. Speaking on the matter, Sarail Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel JabbarAhmed said that BGB remains committed to ensuring border security andpreventing smuggling.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is set to visit New Delhi on Tuesday on what Dhaka describes as a “goodwill visit,” though officials indicated that the trip will involve substantive engagements to advance Bangladesh’s priorities. During the visit, Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, alongside separate meetings with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The trip will mark the first visit to Delhi by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP government assumed office. Officials said the visit comes in a new political context, with Dhaka seeking to elevate previously strained ties with New Delhi to a mutually beneficial, win-win footing, guided by a “Bangladesh first” approach. The Indian Ocean Conference will be held in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, from April 10 to April 12.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury. File PhotoDHAKA, Apr 6, 2026 (BSS) - Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury today announced that Mainland Garments, a concern of Nassa Group, will resume its normal operations from April 8. The decision came following an emergency meeting held at the Ministry of Labour and Employment with representatives of Nassa Group and relevant government bodies. Speaking at the meeting, the Labour Minister emphasized the importance of keeping factories operational in the interest of employment. The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, Attorney General Md.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the 9th ECNEC meeting of the 2025-26 fiscal year held at the Cabinet Division conference room in the city. Photo: PMODHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS) – The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved five development projects with an estimated total cost of Tk 483.43 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 390.84 crore will be financed from the government exchequer while Tk 92.59 crore will be sourced through project loans or grants. The approval came at the 9th ECNEC meeting of the 2025-26 fiscal year and the first meeting of the current government, held at the Cabinet Division conference room in the city. In contrast, the Char Development and Settlement Project-4 (CDSP-4) saw a reduction in its total cost, which now stands at Tk 30.7186 crore.

TEHRAN, April 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Strikes hit a petrochemical complex nearthe Iranian city of Shiraz on Monday, local authorities said, shortly afteran attack on another facility further south. "Following the attack on the petrochemical complex in Marvdasht... the firehas been contained," authorities said in a statement carried by the Fars newsagency, which reported "minor damage".

Photo: CollectedSANGSAD BHABAN, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - Health Minister Sardar Md. SakhawatHusain today informed the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that necessary isolation andICU facilities have been kept ready in hospitals across the country to facethe ongoing measles situation. Regarding ICU facilities, the minister said ICUs cannot be establishedinstantly, but rapid steps have been taken considering the situation. The health minister said the government's goal is to quickly control measlesand protect children's lives through prompt action. The minister said affected children are being given Vitamin-A and hospitalshave been kept ready with isolation, ICU and ventilator support.

File PhotoDHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh are making the most of a rare extendedpreparation window ahead of their upcoming home series against New Zealandnational cricket team, according to Cricket Operations In-Charge ShahriarNafees. "Normally we don't get that much time to prepare ahead of any internationalseries, but this time it's different. We have got an extended window, whichis quite helpful for the players to work on their fitness, skills and othernecessary aspects," Nafees told reporters today. He said the training camp has been intensive and well-structured, givingplayers the opportunity to fine-tune multiple areas of their game. "Initially, our sessions were focused only on fitness and fielding, but nowskill work, fitness and fielding are all being covered.

Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, April 6, 2026 (BSS)- National and International Sports Day wascelebrated in Rajshahi amid much enthusiasm and festivity. On this occasion, a colorful rally was brought out on Monday morning from infront of the Deputy Commissioner's Office. The event was arranged by the District Administration and the District SportsAssociation, with overall support from the District Sports Office. The rally started from the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's Office andparaded through important roads in the city. The rally and the participation of attendees created a lively atmosphere inRajshahi.

Previously, bowling machines available in the country were primarily used tosimulate pace bowling and short-pitched deliveries. Cricket enthusiasts believe the addition of a spin bowling machine will bringa new dimension to practice sessions, offering a more realistic and variedexperience against spin. "This bowling machine is called Merlyn by Bola. The machine is capable of delivering three types of spin - off-spin, leg-spinand arm balls, Nafees added. According to officials, the modern spin bowling machine was purchased at acost of approximately £10,000 (around Taka 1.6 million).